In Plymouth, sweeping views of the Shawnee Mountain Range and Susquehanna River extend a tranquil welcome, but the Pennsylvania borough, once known as a sleepy coal-mining town, also boasts a bustling main street patronized by a population of residents with deep roots in the area. “Plymouth is an established neighborhood with a small hometown residential feel,” says local Realtor Gerald Busch Jr. of Gerald L. Busch Real Estate Inc., whose father grew up in the borough. “It has a great main street that goes down the center with small businesses and splits into nice residential streets.” Plymouth’s collection of locally owned stores and eateries along Main Street showcases a slice of life here, but the community’s crowning jewel is the Plymouth Kielbasa Festival, an annual celebration of Polish heritage. Busch says the festival is a huge deal for the borough, drawing people from all over the Wyoming Valley to get a taste not only of countless types of kielbasa sausages but also of the humble Plymouth community.
Polish heritage shines during Plymouth Kielbasa Festival
Every second weekend in August, the contests at the Kielbasa Fest keep the competitive energy as sizzling as the sausages served throughout the weekend along Main Street. A stacked itinerary of live entertainment and local music — topped with a Sunday parade — supplies a lively backdrop to the 80 food and crafts vendors that line the street. The big event, hosted by local nonprofit Plymouth Alive, promotes the community while raising funds for public projects such as educational programs at the Plymouth Public Library.
Local houses of worship in Plymouth, spanning denominations from Catholic to Baptist, host additional community events. The Good Shepherd Polish National Catholic Church celebrates the area’s heritage through Polish bake sales, while nearby Cherry Street Bible Church offers ongoing programs for children and teens. Additionally, two masjids and two synagogues are located across the river in Wilkes-Barre.
Casual eateries and local stores on Main Street
A slew of eateries, drugstores and local businesses straddle US Route 11 — or Main Street — Plymouth’s primary commercial artery that runs east-west through the borough. Locally owned specialty stores sit among salons and auto body shops on this busy strip, sandwiched by unassuming brew pubs and casual restaurants. Longstanding staple Raub’s is a neighborhood mainstay that has been a part of the community since 1924. Set in a small diner, the family-style restaurant serves American classics alongside a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. Closer to the neighborhood’s western edge, Polish Connection’s sky-blue storefront attracts customers with the mouthwatering scents of traditional Polish cuisine, including potato and cheese pierogis, stuffed cabbage, and potato pancakes. Groceries can be picked up at the Plymouth Hometown Market, or Target and Walmart are available in neighboring Lynwood or Wilkes-Barre for additional necessities.
Mining homes turned into multigenerational residences
Due to its history, Plymouth's real estate inventory comprises established miner homes from the 19th century. Worker’s cottages and modest foursquare and folk-box-style homes are common, ranging in price from a fixer-upper for $49,000 to $195,000 for a recently remodeled house. A few French-inspired residences are peppered between newer Colonial Revival homes, making up the larger houses found in Plymouth. These can list between $100,000 and $315,000. Twin homes are also available, typically from $200,000 to $250,000. Busch says the borough's well-loved homes often stay in the family regardless of style. “A lot of people who grew up here stay a long time,” he notes. “Multiple generations live here, lots of them still in the same homes.”
Wyoming Valley West Senior High's SPARTIVAL
Strong academics also pull residents to Plymouth. “The county’s main high school is located here, which is a good asset for Plymouth,” Busch says, adding that it creates more local traffic. Wyoming Valley West Senior High School ranks as the second-best public high school in the Scranton Area, according to Niche, and it earns a B-plus overall score. Home of the Spartans, the high school hosts the annual SPARTIVAL, or Spartan Carnival, an event organized by the senior class that features games, food and live music from the Marching Spartans. Other schools within the Wyoming Valley West School District include the C-rated State Street Elementary Center and Wyoming Valley West Middle School, which receives a C-plus.
Walks along the Susquehanna on the popular Levee Trail
The Luzerne County Levee Trail is a network of interconnecting paved pathways above the flood protection levees, snaking along 12 miles of the grassy Susquehanna riverbank from Wyoming to Plymouth. Historic information plaques and mile markers dot the trail, interrupted only by benches where the rushing river and sweeping mountain views can be taken in. The river offers its own recreation, as folks kayak its turbulent waters and anglers perch on its riverside to catch fish. On Barnes Street, kids play baseball at the Plymouth Little League field or join pickup basketball games at the adjacent paved courts. Just outside of the city, the Mohegan Sun Arena attracts sports fanatics to Scranton Penguins hockey games, WWE matches and other events such as comedy nights and concerts.
Getting in and around Plymouth
Route 11 connects to major thoroughfares like Interstate 81 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which takes drivers to Philadelphia in roughly two hours. Commuters may also hop on a bus at the many stops along Main Street to connect around town or ride into Philadelphia.
Susquehanna flood risk
Homes closer to the Susquehanna River are at higher risk of flooding, with some areas experiencing over 3 feet of water. Flooding occurs when the river overflows due to severe rainfall, submerging nearby land regions. Plymouth has integrated a floodwall and levee, as well as dikes and dams, to help prevent flooding, but homeowners may still be subject to purchasing flood insurance.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Julie Mccormick,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Kirby Park
Miner Park
Askam Park
Breslau Playground
Laflin Creekside Playground
Korn Street Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Playground
Transit
Airport
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International
31 min drive
Bus
W Main St And Franklin St O
Bus
W Shawnee And Center I
Bus
E Main St And Bull Run O
Bus
Washington And Edwards O
Bus
W Main St And Davenport St I
Bus
E Main St And Old Carey Ave I
Bus
W Shawnee And Nottingham I
Reviews
Niche Reviews
3.58 Reviews
4.0Current Resident
6/17/2019Niche Review
I'm in the process of moving to a neighboring town but I had been living in Wilkes Barre for over ten years. Pretty good place to live, never had any serious issues living here. School life was fairly good here. First, or last, stop to or from NYC via Martz bus line, so there are excellent opportunities for out of state traveling.
3.0Niche User
7/22/2015Niche Review
The crime rate is up and the new residents moving to this area are brining the crime with them.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Plymouth
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Plymouth, PA sell after 56 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Plymouth, PA over the last 12 months is $116,596, down 3% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Lovingly restored and updated Victorian home located just 2 blocks from Main Ave.This is your chance to own an architectural gem with an abundence of charactor and charm. This beauty features a nice garage with off street parking, brand new plumbing, beautiful new kitchen, new custom tile work, freash new interior paint, origional hardwood floors with custom inlay and vintage baths. Located just
Don't miss out on this great opportunity with this investment property! This well-located side-side comes with all the essential utilities already separate. Sold AS IS, this property presents a fantastic opportunity to unlock its potential with some TLC. Ready to generate steady cash flow. Call Kevin with any question and showing instructions. All measurments are approx..
Come and see this huge Side-by-Side, moving ready, Duplex property in beautiful Plymouth! Each unit boasts a huge living room, dining room, a new kitchen, three large bedrooms and an extra room! All utilities are separated. This is a terrific opportunity if you want to live on one unit and rent the other or rent both units for even more income. The property also comes with a large backyard, a
Property Id: 1641763Welcome to your new home at 65-67 Downing St in Plymouth, PA! This unit offers modern amenities including an oven, refrigerator, washer, and dryer. Enjoy the convenience of on-site laundry and off-street parking. Pets allowed (small dogs) and smoking outside only. Rent for $1400 with sewage included. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity!
Fresh and Modern! Newly Renovated one bedroom apartment located in walking distance to shopping, restaurants and schools .Brand new walls, insulation, flooring, front door, bathroom, concrete countertop and electrical. No Pets, No Smoking.
Elizabeth GinocchettiBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Poggi, REALTORS
Ready to start your business? Looking for a location with a lot of foot traffic? Stop in and check out this 2100 sq ft space. Additional parking behind the building for customers/patrons available. This space also offers a pizza oven ready to be put to use. There was previously a bakery at this location. Come transform that dream you have into a reality.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Julie Mccormick,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has Equal Renters and Owners
Demographics
Total Population
6,445
Median Age
39
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$46,710
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$62,713
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
88.8%
College Graduates
11.4%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.5%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
39''
Average Winter Low Temperature
21°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
32''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
66/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
41/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
